Junior… need honest feedback!

Boy Names
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[name_m]Hi[/name_m]! I posted here a few weeks ago to get some opinions on some boy names for our son. (Artie, [name_u]Lenny[/name_u], [name_m]Howie[/name_m], [name_u]Rudy[/name_u], and [name_u]Toby[/name_u] are at the top of our list, feel free to weigh in on those…haha!)

But here is some backstory: a few years ago my dad died. His name was [name_u]William[/name_u], but he went by [name_m]Willy[/name_m]. After he died we decided we would name our first after him, but the only catch is that my husband’s name is ALSO [name_u]William[/name_u], though he goes by [name_u]Will[/name_u]. We ended up having a little girl and naming her [name_u]Billie[/name_u], because we thought [name_u]Will[/name_u] and [name_u]Willow[/name_u], and [name_u]Will[/name_u] and [name_f]Willa[/name_f], etc., etc. would be too much.

For some reason, it’s bothering me that only one of my children (and we only intend to have 2) will hold my father’s special namesake. [name_f]My[/name_f] dad was so important to me, and it feels like a strange kind of favoritism that only my eldest will be named for him, and my other kid won’t. Almost like her name is ~significant~, while his name will just be (sigh) nice.

So this got me thinking. How can I also honour my dad in my son’s naming, without also calling him [name_u]Will[/name_u], [name_m]Willy[/name_m], William… and I came up with [name_m]Junior[/name_m]. If we DID name my son [name_u]William[/name_u] (which we can’t, due to my husband’s name) he’d technically be a [name_u]William[/name_u] Jr., or [name_u]William[/name_u] the 3rd in a way…

So here is my question: is [name_m]Junior[/name_m] a usable legal name? Middle will likely be [name_m]Joshua[/name_m]. So there is always the option of J.J. if [name_m]Junior[/name_m] isn’t his vibe as he ages.

Would really love some feedback. Either I’m hella creative and this is a really great idea, or the pregnancy insomnia is catching up to me and I’m losing my marbles…

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Personally I think [name_m]Junior[/name_m] makes a better nickname than a legal name, if only because most people will assume [name_m]Junior[/name_m] is a nickname for his father’s name. [name_m]Junior[/name_m] [name_m]Joshua[/name_m] ‘JJ’ is a cool name though.

Would you consider [name_u]Liam[/name_u] to honor [name_u]William[/name_u]? That way you don’t repeat the [name_u]Will[/name_u] sound from his father’s name or have too much overlap with the sounds of [name_u]Billie[/name_u] either.

I also think [name_u]Wilson[/name_u] ‘Sonny’ would also be great. Both in meaning and sound it’s “the son of Will” which fits perfectly, and the nickname [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] would prevent confusion with his father’s name. Plus I think [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] has a very similar vibe to [name_m]Junior[/name_m] – cool, laidback, and with familial connections. And [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] seems to fit the style of [name_u]Lenny[/name_u], [name_u]Rudy[/name_u], [name_m]Howie[/name_m], [name_u]Artie[/name_u], and [name_u]Toby[/name_u].

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[name_u]Wilson[/name_u] is a great suggestion.

So technically you are only a junior if the name is exactly the same. So if your husband is for example [name_u]William[/name_u] [name_u]John[/name_u] and you name your son [name_u]William[/name_u] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m], he is not a junior. Something to keep in mind if that junior is important to you. I agree with @EagleEyes [name_m]Junior[/name_m] is more of a nickname to me than a legal name.

Another option is to consider other things about your dad - the month he was born, attributes of him, etc. This gives you more options to honor him.

[name_u]William[/name_u] means - resolute protection
Other protector meaning names I think that go with [name_u]Billie[/name_u] - [name_m]Eastman[/name_m], [name_m]Osmond[/name_m], [name_u]Wiley[/name_u]

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There is a little [name_m]Junior[/name_m] at my daughter’s preschool, so it is absolutely a useable legal name. It’s actually been pretty popular here in the UK – peaked at #230 in 2010 (a few years after a reality star couple used it) and still in the Top 400 today.

It’s not my personal style, but [name_u]Billie[/name_u] and [name_m]Junior[/name_m] make a fun pair! I love @EagleEyes idea of [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] – with or without the formal name [name_u]Wilson[/name_u] – even more. [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] [name_m]Joshua[/name_m] is great :sunglasses:

Another idea: [name_u]Wiley[/name_u] or [name_u]Wilder[/name_u]. I think the pronunciation of the first syllable as WYE helps it to not feel too similar to William/Will or [name_u]Billie[/name_u].

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Sure, I think [name_m]Junior[/name_m] works. I can imagine a kid and an adult using it and he’ll always have [name_m]Joshua[/name_m] to fall back on or nn JJ or [name_u]Jay[/name_u].

[name_m]Ansel[/name_m] came to mind as one with a similar meaning, but I also thought of maybe considering your dad’s surname if that’s usable or could provide inspo?

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Unfortunately [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] is actually my sister’s name! Spelled that way exactly. [name_f]My[/name_f] dad actually named her that back in 1994… he was ahead of the times. Haha

But cool suggestion! Thank you!

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[name_m]Junior[/name_m] is definitely a usable legal name but not my style I agree with the points raised by @EagleEyes that most people will assume [name_m]Junior[/name_m] is a nickname for a formal name. I know [name_m]Junior[/name_m] can work as @katinka said the name in the UK (where I am) it’s in the charts as a stand-zalone name and has been used by a reality star (Katie Price) as well. However it’s not my favourite tribute to [name_u]William[/name_u] and personally I find [name_m]Junior[/name_m] stylistically a bit odd with the vintage nickname choice [name_u]Billie[/name_u].

I absolutely love the idea of [name_u]Wilson[/name_u] ‘Sonny’ from @EagleEyes such a superb idea especially as the name means ‘son of William’ and also wanted to suggest [name_m]Willis[/name_m]. I think [name_m]Willis[/name_m] is cool incorporates the [name_u]Will[/name_u] in order to honour [name_u]William[/name_u] but I think [name_m]Willis[/name_m] is short enough that he doesn’t require a nickname so won’t be called [name_u]Will[/name_u] and feels distinctive with the ‘is’ ending.

Have you thought of using names with the same meaning as [name_u]William[/name_u]? Could be nice to link them via meaning! [name_u]William[/name_u] means ‘resolute protection’ names that have a similar meaning are…

[name_m]Edmund[/name_m] ~ fortunate protector
[name_u]Griffin[/name_u] ~ strong [name_m]Lord[/name_m]
[name_u]Murphy[/name_u] ~ sea warrior
[name_m]Oscar[/name_m] ~ G-d spear or champion warrior
[name_u]Callan[/name_u] ~ battle rock
[name_m]Lewis[/name_m] ~ renowned warrior
[name_u]Milo[/name_u] ~ soldier
[name_m]Xander[/name_m] ~ defending men

So you could use one of these names that would link back to your dad through meaning and then maybe use [name_u]William[/name_u] as the middle name. For example I think [name_m]Xander[/name_m] [name_u]William[/name_u] would be absolutely gorgeous. [name_u]Billie[/name_u] & [name_m]Xander[/name_m] is cool.

Wishing you the best of luck with finding the right name for your next kiddo that honours from the sound of it a lovely man :blue_heart:

[name_f]Edit[/name_f]: [name_m]Just[/name_m] seen about your sister being [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] very cool I think [name_u]Wilson[/name_u] could still work the name doesn’t necessarily have to be shortened and is short enough for that not to happen.

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I don’t think it’s favoritism to name your first child for your dad and not your second. I also don’t think [name_m]Junior[/name_m], while legal, would be a good idea at all. Nobody is going to draw the connection that he’s named after your dad and being named after a grandparent does not make you a junior. You’ve already honored your father with your daughters name and just by carrying on his bloodline. He would be very proud of you and your children. He would probably also want you to pick a name that YOU like rather than you worrying about whether or not you’re honoring him. And while JJ is an adorable nickname, [name_m]Junior[/name_m] [name_m]Joshua[/name_m] also doesn’t really flow together. All the other names you picked out are very nice, and I’m sure your dad would like them too. I also really like @tori101 @EagleEyes and @katinka previous suggestions

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What a cool name your sister has! Unlucky that you can’t use it, but great that you’ve got a [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] in your family. I love the name!

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Honestly, I am not a fan of [name_m]Junior[/name_m] as a given name. Also, I am not sure that using [name_m]Junior[/name_m] really accomplishes the goal of honoring your dad. The name [name_m]Junior[/name_m] sounds like more of an honor towards your husband (and of course there’s nothing wrong with honoring your husband, but it doesn’t sound like that’s your intent behind using Junior).

Other ideas:

  • [name_u]William[/name_u] as the middle name
  • [name_u]William[/name_u] as the first name with the nickname [name_m]Trey[/name_m], since he’s the 3rd [name_u]William[/name_u]
  • [name_u]Liam[/name_u] in either first or middle spot, or as a nickname for [name_u]William[/name_u]
  • [name_m]Westley[/name_m] in either first or middle spot (similar to Willy)
  • Use your dad’s middle name (if he had one) as either a first or middle name
  • Use your dad’s surname as the middle name (or first name, depending)

[name_f]My[/name_f] favorite from your list is [name_u]Toby[/name_u]!

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[name_f]My[/name_f] uncles name is [name_m]Junior[/name_m]! Certainly usable, though I agree I’m not sure it rings of an honor name for [name_u]William[/name_u] to me.

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I vote for naming him [name_u]William[/name_u] and calling him [name_u]Liam[/name_u], if you really want to honor your father twice. Maybe [name_u]Liam[/name_u] [name_u]Vaughn[/name_u] (Vaughn means little, so like a ‘little William’.)

Personally, I’ve never met a family who named two kids after the same person.

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First off I love all the names you’ve listed! [name_u]Artie[/name_u], [name_m]Howie[/name_m], [name_u]Lenny[/name_u] :heart_eyes: adorable!

Secondly, I love [name_u]Billie[/name_u] on a girl!

When I was in highschool, 10years ago, there was a student that went by [name_m]Junior[/name_m]. It wasnt until halfway through highschool that we realized his name was actually [name_m]Eugene[/name_m]. Regardless, it was definitely seen as a standalone/legal name, and all the teachers called him [name_m]Junior[/name_m].

Personally for me having a [name_u]Billie[/name_u] and “Will” variant name for your son seems a bit much. Since [name_u]Billie[/name_u] is a nn for William… but I can understand your dilemma of making them feel connected to your father. What was your dads middle name? Did he have any hobbies or have a likeness for something? Im sure theres other ways you could honour him :slight_smile:

Ill suggest:
[name_m]Willis[/name_m]
[name_u]Liam[/name_u]
[name_m]Ian[/name_m]
Wallace/Wally
[name_u]Wylie[/name_u]
[name_m]Leon[/name_m]
[name_m]Fitzwilliam[/name_m]

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First off, congratulations. Secondly, your daughter has such a cool, meaningful name. I love the way you honoured your dad.

I really don’t think your son’s name has to honour your dad again, but I do understand where you’re coming from with one child having a family connection, and one not. Another option could be honouring a different meaningful person in your lives.

I have mixed feelings on [name_m]Junior[/name_m]. I do think it’s usable, I have heard it irl. It actually has a decent sound, and [name_f]Juni[/name_f] would be an adorable kid nickname! I do see how you’re connecting it to your dad, it’s creative! but alot of people might not notice the link. To me [name_m]Junior[/name_m] feels along the line of naming your child [name_m]Buddy[/name_m]. Slightly more of a term than a name, but still usable as a name. I would say I’m leaning towards liking it for you and your situation, but only if you love it as a name not just as an honour. [name_u]Billie[/name_u] and [name_m]Junior[/name_m] do make a great sibset.

I love your dad’s style in naming your sister [name_u]Sonny[/name_u], what a fun name to have! But unfortunate that you can’t use it now.

A little aside, I love your options of names. [name_f]My[/name_f] favourites are easily [name_u]Artie[/name_u] and [name_u]Lenny[/name_u]. Absolute perfection with [name_u]Billie[/name_u]!

I know you didn’t ask for suggestions, but we berries can’t resist offering some anyway. To honour [name_u]William[/name_u], maybe
nicknames for [name_u]William[/name_u]: [name_u]Pim[/name_u] and [name_m]Wim[/name_m]
variants of [name_u]William[/name_u]: [name_m]Gwilym[/name_m]
names that share sounds with [name_u]William[/name_u] | [name_m]Willy[/name_m]: [name_u]Wallis[/name_u], [name_m]Eliam[/name_m], [name_m]Cillian[/name_m]

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I love @river_dweller’s suggestion of [name_m]Fitzwilliam[/name_m], maybe with the nickname [name_m]Fitz[/name_m]. I think [name_u]Billie[/name_u] and [name_m]Fitz[/name_m] sounds awesome

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It is a moving story and I feel for you, but I do not like [name_m]Junior[/name_m] as a name. I do love [name_u]Wilkie[/name_u].

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But how would Junior honour your father? He wouldn’t have his name, nor anything important for him, just a word that is normally used for people who are named after somebody. But he wouldn’t be named after your father, so… ?

I definitely don’t think naming only your first child after your father is favouritism. She came first and she got the first honour name. You can’t name all your children the same thing, so that makes perfect sense. The honour factor was important when you had your first child; now the honour is done so why try to make it a whole theme?

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I’m sorry for your loss.

First of all, I don’t think naming your first child after your father is favoritism. [name_f]My[/name_f] father passed away recently, and we’re planning on using an honor name for him for our next child (if we’re blessed with another baby). [name_f]My[/name_f] other four children aren’t named after my father. That doesn’t mean I love them or their names any less.

[name_m]Junior[/name_m] could technically work as a legal name, but to be honest, I wouldn’t do it. It’s a nice nickname, maybe. You don’t need to name every child after you father. You can honor his memory just as well by telling your children about him as they grow up etc.

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[name_m]Hi[/name_m] everyone. Thank you so much for your very thoughtful responses! Lots of really great ideas here!

[name_m]Reading[/name_m] some of the replies back, I think maybe I didn’t explain things exactly correctly. I noticed a few people think I was hoping to name for my grandfather, but it was my father who died. Others may have missed that my husband and the father of my children is ALSO [name_u]William[/name_u]. Thus my hesitancy to use another wil-name. Lots of [name_m]Wills[/name_m] under one roof. Haha

[name_f]My[/name_f] dad/my son’s late grandfather: [name_u]William[/name_u] (went by Willy)
[name_f]My[/name_f] husband/my son’s father: [name_u]William[/name_u] (goes by Will)
[name_f]My[/name_f] son: if he were to be called [name_u]William[/name_u], he would be the third [name_u]William[/name_u] generationally. His grandfather is [name_u]William[/name_u], his father is [name_u]William[/name_u].

I love a lot of the suggestions! I’ve always loved the name [name_u]Liam[/name_u], but it’s outrageously popular, and don’t love the idea of him having the same name as 4 other kids in his class. [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] is awesome (from [name_u]Wilson[/name_u], etc) but [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] would also be his aunt’s name, as my sister is named [name_u]Sonny[/name_u]. The other wonderful suggestions of names starting with W-I-L (ie [name_m]Willis[/name_m], which is lovely) to me makes for too many “will” names under one roof.

Another thought that came to me was [name_m]Trip[/name_m], or [name_m]Tripp[/name_m]. I’ve read this is given to a child when both his father and grandfather have the same name as an alternative to him taking an identical name as well. (So is Trey… but I don’t love that as much) Thoughts?

Also, can anyone think of any names that have associations to the number three? Maybe Ill just call him number 3? Haha

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First- I am so sorry for the loss of your dad! I cannot imagine how hard that would be. I think honouring him with [name_u]Billie[/name_u] is the sweetest and I love that you want to continue that !

Second - congratulations on your little boy !! I think there are a few names that might fit the “Bill” ( pun intended)

  • [name_u]Trace[/name_u] - means 3

  • Grant/ [name_m]Gram[/name_m] - I know he passed before he got to meet your children. But he is there grandfather / grandpa so maybe using [name_m]Gram[/name_m] could be subtle way to honour him

  • using Willy’s middle name or your maiden name?

  • is there something or someone he cherished that we can use for a name. When I think of my father in law he LOVES hockey , and his favourite player is [name_m]Wendel[/name_m] [name_m]Clark[/name_m] . We contemplated using [name_m]Clark[/name_m] as a way to honour him

  • would using his initials work for you ? Use another W name ? Maybe [name_m]Wells[/name_m] , [name_m]Wes[/name_m] , [name_u]Wren[/name_u] , [name_u]Walker[/name_u], [name_u]Wallace[/name_u], [name_m]Warner[/name_m], [name_m]Warren[/name_m], [name_m]Weston[/name_m], [name_m]Whittaker[/name_m]

Of the names you previously suggested in your previous post I really love [name_u]Artie[/name_u] and [name_u]Lenny[/name_u]. Could you use [name_u]William[/name_u] a a middle
[name_u]Artie[/name_u] [name_u]William[/name_u]
[name_u]Lenny[/name_u] [name_u]William[/name_u]

Is there a place or street name he lived that would be a meaningful way to honour him? I had a friend who lived on [name_u]Eden[/name_u] [name_f]Crescent[/name_f] growing up . Her daughters name is [name_f]Olivia[/name_f] [name_u]Eden[/name_u]

I hope that helps ! I think it’s beautiful you want to honour your dad

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